BARMAN Paul Dryden was left disappointed after the astronomic price of a ticket for the rugby World Cup final scuppered his chances of seeing England's superstars in action at the Telstra Stadium.

But his despair turned to elation just hours later when several members of the winning team arrived at the bar where he was working, in search of a celebratory drink.

The 22-year-old, from Hurworth, near Darlington, has been spending his time travelling across Australia since leaving East Anglia University earlier this year.

While in Sydney with his brother, Andrew, he decided to try his luck at buying a ticket for the final.

However, the high price proved too much, so he joined the thousands of fans outside the arena, watching on a big screen as history was made.

Then it was time for Paul to set off for work in the city's Empire Hotel bar, expecting to serve some of the euphoric fans.

But he was left stunned as England stars - including Lawrence Dallaglio and Jason Leonard - arrived and were happy to pose for pictures with supporters.

"There was already a mix of English and Australian fans in there, but at about 8am or 9am, six of the England team came in with their suits on," said Paul. "We could not believe it.

"Most of them had their wives or girlfriends with them. They were all in really good spirits, posing for photographs and shaking hands with fans. At the end, Lawrence Dallaglio turned round and waved to all the fans and then they were gone."